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MPV Section - Forums for Multi Purpose Vehicles: => Ford Galaxy Owners Forum - Mk3 Mk4 / Ford S-Max Mk1 Mk2 (2006-Present) => Topic started by: scottymf on December 22, 2013, 07:26:32 PM

Title: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: scottymf on December 22, 2013, 07:26:32 PM
Hi all, I'm a newbie to this forum and wondered if anyone can help with this.
I hear a constant wine in the car even when the other half isn't with me.
It's from the power steering, it doesn't get any faster with the engine speed but does change pitch when turning the wheel,
The noise does switch off after about a minute when the engine is running and the wheel isn't moved.
It's kina driving me nuts, so can anyone point me in the right direction.
Title: Re: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: Chrispb on December 22, 2013, 09:27:24 PM
 welcome5

Assuming you have hydraulic power steering have you checked the fluid level?
Title: Re: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: scottymf on December 23, 2013, 10:12:17 PM
Yes, there is plenty of fluid.
Title: Re: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: Chrispb on December 23, 2013, 10:32:59 PM
If the belt tension and fluid are correct it's almost certainly the pump is worn.
Title: Re: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: scottymf on December 24, 2013, 06:42:00 AM
I thought it would be the pump, but I would have thought the wine would change pitch with the engine speed, but it doesn't. Although that is an assumption. At least if it is the pump then it's easier to change than a rack!
Title: Re: Power Steering Constant Wine
Post by: Chrispb on December 24, 2013, 10:12:05 AM
Something else you could check on before removing pump is the alternator clutch pulley, it's purpose is to minimize the reverse loading on the belt and usually accompanied with the odd shrieking noise like slipping fan belt.

To test the clutch pulley you need to remove the drive belt then locate the fan blades through the slots in the alternator body.
Carefully insert a screwdriver through the slot to contact the blade now try to turn the pulley anticlockwise, if you can't turn the pulley with just a slight resistance then the clutch is U/S.